Acid Reflux Causes

Acid reflux is a digestive condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach back flow or reflux into the esophagus (food pipe). This reflux occurs when a muscular valve called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) malfunctions, allowing the stomach contents to back up. The LES connects the stomach with the esophagus, and serves to contain the contents of the stomach. A number of factors cause this condition.

Hiatal Hernia

A common cause of acid reflux is an anatomical abnormality called hiatal hernia. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is normally level with the diaphragm, a muscular wall that separates the chest from the stomach. When a hiatal hernia develops, the LES is pulled above the diaphragm, weakening the LES muscles. Scientists have yet to discover what causes hiatal hernias to develop.

Obesity

According to Science Daily (see Resource section), there is a direct link between obesity and acid reflux. It references a 2006 clinical study by The American Journal of Gastroenterology on the association between acid reflux and obesity. The results of the study showed that obesity is a risk factor for this condition. Douglas Corley, author of the study, recommended further research on weight loss therapy as treatment for acid reflux.

Stomach Distention

Eating large meals tends to cause acid reflux by distending the stomach walls and loosening the sphincter muscles, allowing a reflux of the stomach contents. It also sets off acid reflux because it slows down digestion, keeping food in the stomach much longer. Eating fried, fatty foods has a similar effect. This is because it takes the body longer to digest greasy foods, so it takes longer to empty the stomach of this food.

Diet

Certain foods contribute to acid reflux. These include caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and cola drinks, as well as alcoholic drinks. Citrus fruit, spicy food and tomato-based dishes such as spaghetti, pizza and salsa also trigger acid reflux. Chocolate contains high levels of theobromine, a naturally-occurring compound that relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, allowing the stomach contents to backwash into the esophagus.

Pressure

Pressure on the stomach can force its contents up against the LES. The pressure stretches the sphincter muscles wide enough to allow the stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. This pressure can result, for example, from lying down within two to three hours of eating, or wearing tightly fitting clothes or accessories around the abdomen. A growing fetus can also create similar pressure on a pregnant woman's sphincter.